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Mazda makes its entry into the fast-growing B-segment crossover market in Malaysia with the official launch of the all-new Mazda CX-3 this week by Bermaz Motors, the brand’s official distributor in Malaysia.

Spun off the compact version of Mazda’s modular SkyActiv platform underpinning the Mazda2, the CX-3 is sold in Malaysia as a CBU vehicle from Japan, despite much nearer AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) plant also producing the model. According to Bermaz officials, the Thai-built CX-3 has less than 40 percent local content, meaning it does not enjoy preferential tariffs under AFTA terms. By importing from Japan, Bermaz takes advantage of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and Japan to reduce its duty burdens.

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Anticipated by many as a serious competitor to the Honda HR-V, the CX-3 has nevertheless inserted itself at a higher price bracket, with the only variant on sale in Malaysia asking for RM135,143.19 including insurance – higher even than Mazda’s own CX-5 2.0 GL 2WD and just RM3,000 shy of the Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD.

For the premium, Mazda has packed a high level of standard equipment into the CX-3, offering six airbags, leather suede upholstery, auto cruise, auto swiveling LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, keyless entry, heads-up display, tilt & telescopic steering, sunroof, and electronic stability control. The minimalist dashboard houses Mazda’s slick and sophisticated MZD Connect infotainment system consisting of a 7-inch LCD display, rotary control knob, and integrated with a reverse camera.

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Up front, Mazda fits the most powerful engine among crossovers its size, fitting in the direct-injected 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G. Outputs are naturally class-leading, with 154hp on tap and 204Nm of torque served from 2,800rpm, which is impressively low (practically unheard of) for a naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The engine drives the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Auto start/stop is fitted to reduce fuel wastage on idle.

Suspension architecture consists of MacPherson struts up front and despite having a rear torsion beam, Mazda engineers actually have provisions for all-wheel drive versions of the CX-3 that are not offered in Malaysia. In vehicles so equipped, the torsion beam curves upward at its mid-point to accommodate the rear drive shaft. Disc brakes are standard all-round, with the car sitting on 18-inch alloy wheels at each corner.

Like all new Mazda models, the CX-3 is sold with Bermaz Motor’s three-year warranty and free maintenance programme for stress-free ownership.

 

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Nissan’s range of passenger vehicles are typically conservative, yet when it comes to pick-up trucks, that reserved nature is casually chucked aside. The previous-generation D40 Navara is remembered for its famously-cheeky ‘Mother Trucker’ tagline as well as its aggressively powerful engine. It was also the first pick-up truck in the market to offer a 6-speed manual transmission and local distributors Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) were even brave enough to experiment with a King Cab variant.

Succeeding the D40 is the all-new NP300 Navara. Like its predecessor, the NP300 seeks to position itself as a pick-up selling on high performance and a pronounced emphasis on its on-road refinement. The often-used car-like cliche is once again dished out, and the message is reinforced with a number of segment-first features that migrated over from passenger vehicles.

31 Drive_All-New NP300 Navara

Prices & Variants

As revealed in pre-launch coverages, the NP300 Navara comes fully imported from Thailand with a selection of six model variants, all with turbodiesel engines displacing 2.5 litres and running part time 4×4 drivelines as standard.

A manual-only Single Cab variant kicks off the range at RM81,818.20 with insurance and unlike single cab variants of rival models or even that of the outgoing D40 Navara, the NP300 Single Cab comes respectably equipped with dual frontal airbags, two 12V power sockets, CD player with Aux-In, multi-info display, and halogen reflector fog lamps with integrated daytime running lights.

42 All-New NP300 Navara_Single Cab

Double Cab models get side steps, bedliner, rear spoiler, rear air-con vents and ISOFIX as standard. If budget permits, we recommend going for nothing less than SE trim which, being the only variant with a choice between manual (RM100,850.72) and automatic transmission (RM105,988.52), also crucially elevates safety with ABS, EBD, brake assist, stablity and traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, and active brake limited slip (ABLS) incorporated as standard fitment.

The main-selling variant for private buyers is expected to be the second-from-top V model which, at RM113,181.44 with automatic transmission as standard, adds in keyless entry and reverse camera amongst other creature comforts to the equation. Topping the range is the RM124,484.60 VL model which, in addition to a more powerful engine, also exclusively offers LED headlights, LED DRLs, and leather upholstery.

18 Drive_All-New NP300 Navara

Specifications

Whilst the trim line-up is wide ranging, the engine and drivetrain combinations on offer are significantly more straight forward. Globally, Nissan debuted an all-new 2.3-litre turbodiesel to power the NP300, but due to its requirements for low sulphur fuel, the ASEAN region carries over the D40’s 2.5-litre YD25 powerplant.

In Malaysia, the engine is offered in two states of tune. For the range-topping auto-only VL model, the four-cylinder mill pumps out 187hp and 450Nm – figures noted as highest among 2.5-litre engines currently available in the market.

30 All-New NP300 Navara_Double Cab_YD25DDTi VGS Turbo Intercooler

All other variants get a slightly detuned 161hp/403Nm setup. Despite the reduced outputs from 176hp/403Nm previously offered with the D40, Nissan emphasizes that thanks to substantial weight reduction, the 161hp NP300s enjoy better power-to-weight ratios over their D40 equivalents. In V trim as tested, the NP300 has 87 horses for each tonne of kerb weight, up from the D40’s 85hp/tonne.

Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 is standard on all variants. Vehicles with manual transmission get six forward ratios, whilst auto versions get a first-in-class 7-speed gearbox sourced from Jatco, Nissan’s own transmission-making subsidiary.

Another major technical highlight in the NP300 is the implementation of multi-link coil spring suspension on double cab models, first among Japanese pick-up trucks to do so. Nissan claims that despite the perceived superior robustness of traditional leaf springs, the coil-sprung Navara is remains good enough to carry a one-tonne payload. Besides providing superior ride comfort on-road, the more intricate multi-link setup is also claimed to allow longer wheel travel and better wheel articulation over poor surfaces.

31 All-New NP300 Navara_Double Cab_Multi-Link Rear Suspension

Exterior

A simple boxy silhouette adorned by a bold face up front summarizes Nissan’s design brief of the NP300’s overall appearance. Chunky yet restrained applications of chrome on the front grille and fog light surrounds create an impression of tasteful machoness, and the LED daytime running lights of the VL model form a visual signature that is unique amongst pick-up trucks.

Details are considerably more subtle along the sides. You get flared wheel arches and gentle crease lines, but nothing sharp or fussy as seen in the Mitsubishi Triton. Nissan makes a big deal about the integrated rear spoiler that is standard on all Double Cab variants; visually, we don’t see a substantial impact, but it is claimed to offer functional aerodynamic benefits in reducing wind swirl over the rear cargo bed.

All Double Cab variants also get side steps as standard for convenient ingress and egress. More thoughtful, perhaps, is the lined step built at the base of the Single Cab model’s cargo bed. Engineered to support weight of up to 250kg, it is placed there for users to step on and reach deeper into the cargo bed whilst retrieving objects.

07 All-New NP300 Navara_Single Cab_Easy Bed Step

Interior

Traditionally, pick-up truck cabins are designed and built with emphasis on ruggedness and durability. Today, those qualities are expected to be maintained whilst at the same time required to come in conjunction with design sophistication and plushness comparable to passenger cars.

The NP300’s cabin will not look out of place if transplanted to a Teana or a Sylphy. Even the base Single Cab model looks respectably finished. If you’re looking for a workhorse but don’t want an interior that reminded you of that fact, this is the truck to buy.

14 All-New NP300 Navara_Double Cab_Interior

Much of the switchgear appear common with Nissan’s range of passenger cars, and whilst that’s good in elevating the cabin’s perceived quality and ambience, they may be difficult to operate if the driver is wearing a thick pair of gloves – common circumstance for vehicles that serve construction sites or estates. Urban users should face no issues, however.

In-cabin practicality is good. There are deep door pockets and the centre console is well compartmentalized with cubby holes, cupholders, and a lidded box. The top of the dashboard is also usefully carved with a storage tray with a power socket conveniently-placed to power your GPS unit. What we do not fully comprehend, however, is the slot below the passenger side air vent. The way it is angled, any objects in there is one emergency maneuver from being flung out.

Double cab variants cocoon their rear passengers in relatively comfortable surroundings. Besides the benefit of decent leg and head room, cooling is enhanced with rear air-con vents, another first-in-class feature trumpeted by Nissan and standard across the board. Seat belts are provided for three rear occupants, but the centre passenger will have to be mindful of a pair of cupholders placed at his/her feet.

13 All-New NP300 Navara_Double Cab_Interior

Driving Experience

Immediately after its launch recently, ETCM gave us a day behind the NP300’s wheel on a brief journey from Glenmarie to the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang where we got to experience the new Navara’s talents on and off the beaten track. All test cars on the day sported the 161hp engine tune, in line with the company’s intentions to push that variant as the model’s main-seller.

Compared to the outgoing D40 Navara, the NP300 feels noticeably quieter and more refined on the move. The supposed deficit in outputs over the predecessor is also not obvious; lending credence to Nissan’s claim of the NP300 having superior power-to-weight ratio. During the off-road section, we noticed that the re-tuned YD25 engine’s torque feels better distributed toward the lower reaches of the rev range, allowing more effortless climbing of steep slopes.

15 Drive_All-New NP300 Navara

Less convincing, however, was Nissan’s claims of improved on-road dynamics and comfort as a result of the NP300’s adoption of coil spring suspension. In our opinion, the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton both feel more sure-footed around bends and more pliant over undulations. The setup feels reassuringly rugged off-road, however.

A particularly memorable section in the pre-planned test route involved a sharp descent over a muddy slope. It was designed to be a test of NP300’s hill descent control system, and despite the system’s best efforts, the NP300 was practically sliding its way on the last few metres of the slope. Those last several metres were heart-stopping, but the HDC’s intervention in maintaining the vehicle’s descend speed right from the start of the slope meant that driver control was never really lost.

37 Drive_All-New NP300 Navara

Verdict

Coming from the D40, the NP300 makes the prerequisite leap in refinement and equipment that elevates the Navara nameplate to be on par with the latest model generations of its rivals. The switch from leaf to coil springs is a notably daring gamble from Nissan, but one that’s not fully maximized – we still find the Ranger and Triton to handle better and ride more comfortably on the road. The use of a 7-speed automatic transmission has definite benefits to fuel economy and highway refinement though.

Availability of safety features such as electronic stability control, ABS, and hill-start assist from the mid-spec variants upwards is commendable, but be aware that quite a number of amenities advertised as key selling points such as LED headlamps, signature daytime running lights, leather upholstery, and electric driver seat adjustment are applicable only for the VL model.

Pricing is not as enticing as we would have liked though. The bulk of the range starting from SE trim upwards resides north of RM100k, leaving the Nissan sales rep with quite a task to pinch sales from the class-leading Ford Ranger or best-selling Toyota Hilux. A full verdict is pending a stint behind the wheel of the VL model, but in V trim as tested, the NP300 is competitive without being fully class-leading.

specs sheet

Gallery – Nissan NP300 Navara Media Drive Event Pictures

Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab Official Product Pictures

Nissan NP300 Navara Double Cab Official Product Pictures

Pictures: Official Nissan release.

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With crossovers generally gaining popularity at exponential rates, we unsurprisingly find many manufacturers converging at the B-segment end of the market, where affordable alternatives could be provided to those eager to make the step up but couldn’t quite meet the budget required for a CR-V.

Honda, notably, has created a storm in this segment with the HR-V with firm plans in place to reach further down the market with the even cheaper BR-V. Mazda is set to add its own SkyActiv-flavoured CX-3 to the equation, whilst Renault has also joined the party recently with the rather intriguing Captur.

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Prices and Variants

Only one variant of the Captur is on offer in the Malaysian market, and it features a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant driving the front wheels through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. With insurance, it sets your bank account back by a sum RM126,634.99. It’s pricier than the top-spec HR-V, although the difference is relatively negligible in monthly terms.

Whilst mechanical variation is limited, Renault does offer the Captur with an interesting selection of dual tone exterior colours along with removable seat covers. It goes along similar themes as MINI or Citroen DS vehicles in providing the vehicles with bright cheerful colours. We should also point out that besides allowing easy customization, the removable seat covers have hygiene benefits, as they can be easily removed and washed.

Equipment on offer covers the necessary basics, with safety taken care of by front and side airbags, stability control, and ISOFIX mounts. An integrated seven-inch touchscreen provides reverse camera, navigation and connectivity via AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. Lastly, keyless entry is provided with walkaway self-locking function i.e. the vehicle auto-locks when it detects the key fob moving a certain distance away from the vehicle.

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Specifications

In keeping with current engine trends, the Captur is powered by a downsized turbocharged direct injection engine allied with a dual clutch transmission. Claimed to match 1.8-litre outputs with just 1.2-litre displacement, the TCe 120 variant as offered in Malaysia pushes out 118hp at 4,900rpm and 190Nm at 2,000rpm.

Like its segment peers, the Captur is exclusively front-wheel driven and has a torsion beam to prop up its rear axle. Braking is provided by a disc/drum combo and its power-assisted steering provides an impressively tight turning radius of 5.21m with 2.6 turns lock-to-lock.

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Exterior

The two-tone paint jobs provide the Captur with the basis for a striking appearance, and that is reinforced by bold styling cues such as the enlarged brand emblem up front, sharp-looking 17-inch alloys, and thick lower claddings.

Bumper-mounted LEDs provide daytime running illumination, but the standard halogen projector headlamps puncture its upmarket illusions with the yellow tinge of its illumination.

Body panels are very intricately shaped, the doors are sculpted with a wavy surface that even cars twice the price may find fanciful. It adds wonderful detail to the design, but for buyers of the segment, you’ve gotta wonder about potential accident repair costs. There are no sharp crease lines, however.

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Interior

Renault interiors typically exhibit unusual ergonomics, and the Captur is no different. Whilst it’s easy enough settling into a good driving position, locating controls at first acquaintance with the vehicle may prove tricky.

Similar to what we’ve seen earlier in the Fluence and Megane RS, audio controls for the driver is placed on a stalk behind the steering wheel, which in turn houses buttons only for cruise control. Activation of the cruise control system itself is enabled by a button oddly placed on the centre console.

Overall quality of the cabin is decent, however, and there is a usable amount of space on offer to store small items. The centre console is intelligently partitioned for cubby holes, cup holders, and a foldable lidded box.

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Driving Experience

When a car maker emphasizes words like economy and efficiency in its communication materials, it also serves warning of the inevitable compromise in straight line performance. Turbocharged or otherwise, the reality is that we have 118 horses pulling 1,180kg of kerb weight, translating to a power-to-weight ratio that is little better than a Proton Persona.

So, don’t expect blistering acceleration; but you can look forward to parsimonious fuel economy. A fuel economy challenge conducted by local distributors TC Euro Cars for members of the Malaysian motoring media yielded numbers between 4.9 and 5.6 l/100km (trip computer indicated) on highway conditions with air-conditioning switched on. In the real world, we predict figures anywhere between 6.0 and 8.0 l/100km to be within realistic reach of most drivers.

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Chassis tuning is appropriately geared toward facilitating easy day-to-day use. On winding roads, there is a sense of fluidness in its weight transfer that returns smooth steering and throttle inputs with accordingly smooth progress. It doesn’t make to much of an effort to disguise its raised height, however, and high speed stability is adequate up to speeds of only 130-140kph after which the engine starts to run out of breath anyway.

Ride is surprisingly firm, however, and might even be judged as harsh for the crowd that Renault targets to sell this car to. Whilst the suspension does well enough to isolate long surface undulations, sharper disturbances aren’t dealt with quite so effectively.

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Verdict

Design will be the Captur’s main selling point. Its selection of bright colours combined with a cheerful design, in our estimation, should make it a hit with hipster buyers shopping at Honda HR-V budget but would like a different and more distinctive alternative to the mainstream selections. The removable seat covers also open a wide range of possibilities for interior colour customization.

Strip the design appeal away, however, the Captur becomes a rather average product. It drives pleasantly and does not bug with too many vices other than its rather firm ride. Renault’s brand of unusual ergonomics will take some time to familiarize for a first time user, but we expect an owner to get accustomed to it quickly enough that it should not be an issue.

We have no reason to actively discourage you from getting a Captur, but the only reason which you would be really tempted to go for one would be for its looks. But as far as fashion statements go, this is one which you can live with day-to-day.

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Goh Brothers Motors Sdn Bhd, one of the biggest and fastest growing dealer of Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia, has opened the seventh outlet of its network in Selayang today.

Built at a cost of RM3 million with some 55,000 sq ft of floor space spread over five floors, the Volkswagen Selayang 4S Centre additionally doubles as the country’s second Volkswagen Technical Service Centre.

Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia, said that, “Our partnership with Goh Brothers started in 2007 and since then we have come a long way. Our customers are our top priority and investing on infrastructure is one of the ways we can strive to improve our offerings and improve the overall ownership experience.”

After sales is given major focus in the outlet’s layout. Three out of the facilities five floors are dedicated to servicing, housing over 20 working bays. This capacity can be further expanded by another 18 bays on the remaining two floors if needed. Currently, the service centre is manned by 30 experienced personnel with access to RM1 million worth of tools, equipment, and diagnostic computers.

Body & paint repair is also available with some RM1.5 million invested to prepare two spray booths, two preparation bays, an alignment bench, and mechanical measuring equipment. It is the only authorized Volkswagen B&P facility in the northern region of Kuala Lumpur.

Parts storage spans four levels, occupying 3,000 sq ft of floor space and stocked with 4,000 line items. When needed, additional parts are sourced from VW’s centralized parts centres in Shah Alam or Singapore.

Mr Goh Kian Sin, Chairman of Goh Brothers said at the launch, “Goh Brothers Auto is proud to present our largest Volkswagen centre in Klang Valley. We agree that our customers are our top priority and with that in mind, we have invested in equipping this centre with the best equipment and tools on top of soft skills to build a sustainable business together with Volkswagen.”

Volkswagen Selayang 4S Centre opens its showroom seven days a week whilst after sales is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 5:30pm each day.

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The second generation of Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90, makes its much-awaited arrival in the Malaysian market today, being officially launched as a fully-imported model from Sweden ahead of scheduled commencement of local assembly at Volvo Car Malaysia’s Shah Alam plant next year.

The first of a new generation Volvo models to be underpinned by the brand’s modular SPA platform, the XC90 is the company’s first model to be fully developed under Geely of China’s ownership. This new architecture utilizes highly advanced construction techniques with extensive use of high-strength boron steel as well as a highly innovative electrical architecture to support a myriad of intelligent safety features.

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“With SPA, we are able to have the best combination of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency, and safety in the all-new XC90. This will bring the SUV segment into a new dimension, just as the original XC90 when it was first introduced,” says Keith Schafer, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Volvo incurred very high expenses in developing the SPA platform. Schafer revealed that in Malaysia alone, the cost of readying the Shah Alam plant for the prerequisite tooling and training of personnel amounted to RM25 million. He further explained however, that with the basic architecture already in place, development and tooling costs of future SPA-based models can be made markedly lower.

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Kick-starting things on a strong footing, Volvo has went for the jugular and opted to introduce the XC90 to our market in its highest possible specification, namely the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid variant finished in Inscription trim.

Operating the most potent and sophisticated powertrain available in the SPA mechanical package, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine features the 2.0-litre twincharged petrol engine that we already know from the XC60 T6, aided by an electric motor at each axle to generate impressive net system outputs of 407hp and 640Nm. Featuring an Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, the XC90 T8 is able to accelerate from rest to 100kph in just 5.6 seconds.

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Whilst effectively offering the benefit of all-wheel drive traction, the XC90 T8 does not require a mechanical drive shaft to send power astern from the engine up front. The rear axle is driven purely on electrical power when needed, allowing Volvo to take advantage of unused space within the centre tunnel to house the T8’s traction batteries. Because it is a plug-in hybrid, whereby its traction batteries can be recharged off a plug point, the XC90 enjoys impressively low fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100km and carbon dioxide emissions of 49 g/km. With fully charged batteries, the T8 is able to support full-electric driving in excess of 40km.

As standard, Volvo Car Malaysia provides each unit of the XC90 T8 with a charging cable, which can be plugged into a regular three-pin socket. In the interest of safety, VCM will have a certified engineer to perform an electrical health check at your premises to ensure that the building’s electrical architecture is able to handle the required load to charge your vehicle. Whilst emergency fail-safe systems will protect the vehicle in the event of an electrical malfunction, the safety check is offered to ensure the safety of the building to avoid causing power trips or fire hazards. Through a third-party contractor, VCM provides one complimentary check with each vehicle purchased at a venue specified by the customer. Additional checks are subject to charge. Wall-mounted charging boxes are available as cost options.

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Besides operating a highly-advanced powertrain, the XC90 T8 also comes with perhaps the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package in the automotive industry. World-first features include a run-off protection package and autonomous emergency braking at intersections. The run-off protection package incorporates energy-absorbing functionality in the seats to minimize spine injuries. At intersections, the XC90 automatically brakes itself if it detects that you’re turning into the path of an onrushing vehicle. These features come in addition to existing technologies such as autonomous emergency braking (now refined with improved vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian detection) and adaptive cruise control (which automatically controls acceleration, braking, and steering in traffic jams).

Thanks to its high technological content and Volvo’s dedicated commitment to local assembly operations in Malaysia, which the company uses as an assembly hub for models sold throughout ASEAN, the XC90 enjoys tax incentives from the Malaysian Government as an Energy Efficient Vehicle under the 2014 National Automotive Policy.

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“Our decision to bring in the T8 Twin Engine variant was bolstered by the government’s ambition to turn Malaysia into an ASEAN hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), in line with the National Automotive Policy. We are very thankful to have the support of all relevant government agencies and ministries in helping us bring this technologically advanced plug-in hybrid here,” Mr Schafer said.

The incentives enjoyed by Volvo is accordingly passed to consumers. Even in CBU format, limited to only 100 units and all of which have been sold out anyways, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription is priced at RM453,888 on-the-road excluding insurance; significantly less than rivals such as the BMW X5 (RM539,800 – RM579,800) and Audi Q7 (RM589,900) whilst offering much higher technological content. Locally-assembled variants will be available from 2016 onwards. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

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What was once popularly known as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is back in Malaysia, albeit in the form of the Lexus LX 570 that is now officially on sale at all Lexus showrooms across the country.

Built on the same platform as the current-generation Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX 570 is currently in its third model generation with the version being introduced in Malaysia being the latest update of a model that has been in the market since 2007.

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The LX 570 comes with proper off-road credentials in the form of a full-time 4WD transfer case with low range ratios and Torsen centre differential that splits torque in a 60 percent rear bias. It has a featured dubbed Crawl Control, which helps smoothen throttle modulation over poor surfaces at low speeds.

To ease maneuvering its sizable bulk over challenging terrain, the LX 570 is equipped with Multi-Terrain Monitor that utilizes a network of cameras to show images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings. Besides offering the convenience of around view, the Lexus’ system additionally offers an undercarriage view to help avoid big holes and rocks.

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Under the hood, it is armed with significant muscle, featuring Toyota’s 5.7-litre 3UR V8 engine generating outputs of 362hp and 530Nm. As part of its most recent model update, the transmission has been upgraded from the existing 6-speeder to a new 8-speed unit.

The LX 570’s electronically-controlled engine, transmission, chassis, and climate control settings can be adjusted by the Integrated Drive Mode system which offers six driving modes including a personalized ‘Customize’ mode.

Previously available only through parallel-imported channels, the LX 570 can now be had together with the full backing of Lexus Malaysia’s 3-year / 100,00km along with a 5-year / 100,000km free maintenance programme at a price of RM923,960.66 on-the-road excluding insurance.

Pictures: Official Lexus release.

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The sixth-generation BMW 7 Series makes its official entry into the Thai market at the ongoing Thai Motor Expo. Launched as a CBU model from Germany, the G12 long wheelbase 7 Series debuts in the Land of Smiles sporting only one variant, the 740Li decked exclusively in Pure Excellence trim.

Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine from BMW’s new modular engine family, the six-cylinder 740Li has access to outputs of 326hp and 450Nm, and is mated to ZF’s 8HP automatic transmission as standard. We expect this same configuration to be offered in the Malaysian market as well.

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A source informed us that BMW will eventually assemble the 7 Series to locally in Thailand in the not-too-distant future, taking advantage of the kingdom’s preferential taxation for locally-built vehicles. When it happens, this switch will herald a major transfer of technology into the Thai automotive eco-system as BMW employs highly advanced carbon fibre construction for the G12’s chassis.

Once local assembly commences, there will be the scope for BMW to add variants such as the diesel-powered 730d, the V8 flagship 750i, or even the plug-in hybrid 740e if they so choose.

Currently, the 7 Series, in its sole 740Li Pure Excellence trim, is priced at THB 7.0 million, converting to RM827k in the present exchange rate.

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Isuzu typically prefers conservative engine tunes in its vehicles, often opting to sacrifice outright power in favour of fuel economy and longevity. As such, Isuzu engines are usually low on specific outputs and tend to generate the lowest power among engines of comparable displacement.

That rule book looks set to be thrown out of the window, however, as the company recently launched a new 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine to power its facelifted D-Max in the Thai market. Replacing the 2.5-litre variant, the new D-Max 1.9 Ddi has been available in the Thai market since November and is sold alongside the 3.0-litre V-Cross model.

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Now available with a 6-speed transmission with two overdrive ratios, the new 1.9-litre engine eclipses its 2.5-litre predecessor in both power and torque, producing 150hp and 350Nm, up from the 2.5’s 134hp and 320Nm. Isuzu claims the engine complies to Euro 6 standards.

It is unknown at this stage if the engine can be made available in the Malaysian market, but if it does, the savings it offers in annual road tax makes it a fascinating prospect.

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Toyota’s main shows at the Thai Motor Expo are the FT-86 Open Concept and the new Avanza that is being officially launched for the Thai market. Of greater interest to us, however, are displays of the new Hilux and Fortuner that, whilst launched earlier in Thailand, are still yet to be introduced in Malaysia.

Powered by new generation 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines, both the new Hilux and Fortuner seek to stem gains made by rivals on Toyota’s undisputed leadership in the segment. On display units we saw at the show grounds, we observed significantly improved cabin plushness and build quality on both models.

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The Hilux’s cabin follows a similar theme as seen in the current-generation Corolla Altis in adopting a vertical dashboard configuration but sporting curvaceous lines for a more modern appearance. Double cab variants get rear air con vents and on the back of each front seat is a teh tarik hook rated to take a maximum load of 4kg.

Interestingly, we also noticed rear fog lights on the Thai-spec Hilux, indicating that these models are built in accordance to European specification.

The seven-seater Fortuner, meanwhile, seeks to convey a sense of pseudo-luxuriousness with wood grain inserts and stitchings on dashboard panels. The rear edge of the centre console incorporates a thoughtful touch with a 12V power socket placed adjacent to a rectangular cubby hole just big enough to accommodate most modern smart phones; convenient for recharging. At the base of the centre console is a 240V plug point that can be used to power bigger electrical appliances.

Gallery – Toyota Hilux

Toyota Fortuner

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At the ongoing Thai Motor Expo, Mazda has unveiled both the CX-3 B-segment crossover SUV and MX-5 roadster for the Thai market. The fully-imported MX-5 launches with similar specifications as offered to the Malaysian market, being powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine.

The CX-3, meanwhile, is built locally in Thailand and is offered with a choice between 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol and a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engines, both driving the front wheels via Mazda’s in-house 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.

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Both engines are impressively economical, with fuel consumption rated at 16.4 and 23.0 km/l respectively. The high 14.0 compression petrol engine pushes out 156hp and 204Nm, whilst the diesel mill offers class-leading torque of 270Nm.

A high-level of safety is offered in the CX-3. Besides ABS, stability control, and hill start assist, some variants are also fitted with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety package, which includes lane departure warning, active high beam control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

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Malaysia will soon be receiving the CX-3 as well, but a source has indicated to us that the vehicle will come fully imported from Japan instead of Thailand.

Also launched at the expo are improved versions of the Mazda2 that benefit from the Thai Government’s Eco Car initiative that offers preferential taxation to vehicles emitting less that 100g/km of carbon dioxide.

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For the Thai market, the Mazda2 is offered with a choice from the same 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D engine as used in the CX-3, but tuned to offer lower torque of just 250Nm, or a 1.3-litre SkyActiv-G petrol that puts out 93hp and 123Nm.

Pulling all stops to ensure the vehicles dip below the crucial threshold, Mazda has equipped the Thai-spec 2 with fuel-saving technologies such as the i-Eloop capacitive brake regeneration system and auto start/stop. Official fuel consumption of the two engines are rated at 26.3 and 23.3 km/l respectively.

Benefits of the reduced taxation is returned to the consumer not just in the form of competitive pricing, but also higher equipment. Thai customers now have the option of getting the previously unavailable signature headlight cluster featuring distinctive LED daytime running lights on upper variants. Other equipment include MZD Connect infotainment system, keyless entry, and heads-up display.

mazda2 2

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